YearToAvoid

Scion XB Best and Worst Years (2005–2015)

Scion XB years to avoid: 2006, 2008, and 2009. Best years: 2014 and 2015. Based on 1,009 NHTSA owner complaints and 15 recall campaigns across 11 model years (2005–2015).

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.

Avoid 2006Avoid 2008Avoid 2009Best 2014Best 2015

Model years
11
2005–2015
NHTSA complaints
1,009
Recall campaigns
15
Crashes reported
94
Fires reported
21
Top problem area
Airbags

XB Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)025507510020052006200720082009201020112012201320142015
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Scion XB problems and recalls by year

YearVerdictIndexComplaintsCrashesFiresRecallsTop issueMPGNCAP
2005Caution70921511Structure & Body28.5—
2006Avoid802531805Visibility & Wipers28—
2007No verdict103103Airbags——
2008Avoid1003393078Airbags24—
2009Avoid9014012510Airbags24—
2010Caution6055417Airbags24—
2011Caution5054415Airbags24—
2012Good4045533Airbags24—
2013Good3013222Electrical System24—
2014Best09102Airbags24—
2015Best206212Brakes24—

XB years to avoid: what went wrong

2008 Scion XB Index 100 · 339 complaints · 8 recalls

Owners filed 339 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Scion XB, led by airbags (132), engine (56), and brakes (45). NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for this year. Complaints mention 30 crashes and 7 fires.

2008 airbags problems →2008 engine problems →2008 brakes problems →

2009 Scion XB Index 90 · 140 complaints · 10 recalls

Owners filed 140 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009 Scion XB, led by airbags (74), engine (34), and brakes (16). NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns for this year. Complaints mention 12 crashes and 5 fires.

2009 airbags problems →2009 engine problems →2009 brakes problems →

2006 Scion XB Index 80 · 253 complaints · 5 recalls

Owners filed 253 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006 Scion XB, led by visibility & wipers (148), engine (34), and structure & body (33). NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this year. Complaints mention 18 crashes.

2006 visibility & wipers problems →2006 engine problems →2006 structure & body problems →

Most common Scion XB problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

  1. Airbags332 (33%)
  2. Visibility & Wipers215 (21%)
  3. Engine182 (18%)
  4. Structure & Body106 (11%)
  5. Brakes102 (10%)
  6. Electrical System87 (9%)
  7. Steering47 (5%)
  8. Other40 (4%)
  9. Suspension, Wheels & Tires31 (3%)
  10. Transmission & Powertrain19 (2%)

Frequently asked questions

What year Scion XB should I avoid?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2006, 2008, and 2009 Scion XB have the highest Complaint Index among 11 model years and are the years to avoid. The 2008 model year ranks worst with 339 complaints and 8 recalls.
What is the best year for the Scion XB?
The 2014 and 2015 Scion XB have the lowest Complaint Index of the years we track, with the 2014 at 9 complaints and 2 recalls. Complaint counts are adjusted for how long each model year has been on the road.
What are the most common problems with the Scion XB?
Across all model years, the most reported problem areas in NHTSA complaints are airbags (332, 33%), visibility & wipers (215, 21%), and engine (182, 18%).
How many recalls does the Scion XB have?
NHTSA lists 15 distinct recall campaigns covering Scion XB model years 2005–2015. Recalls are repaired free of charge by dealers; check any specific vehicle by VIN before buying.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.